When can I claim UC and PIP?

lady77

lady77

Hello everyone

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week my head is a right mess I've got mcmillan and universal credit telling me different things so I'm not sure what or when I should apply for benefits as not on any. I've got to have surgery,radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

I'm not on universal credit as it stopped when my son left college because of my wages (I'm full time) both places have said to apply for pip and universal credit and lwcra but when do I apply ( my op is 5th march) ones saying after surgery when I have a fit note ones saying I can now before surgery, universal credit said to apply now as it takes 3mths and to do it after I've been paid from work which is between 20th/22nd for one job and the last week day of the month for my second job, I'm so stressed about everything at the minute any help please

Adrian_Scope

Hello @lady77 and a warm welcome to the community. 🙂

I’m really sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Macmillan usually have trained benefit advisors who are experts for people in your situation, whereas with UC you may sometimes be speaking to general helpline staff who aren’t specialists in complex health-related benefit queries. What is it that they have advised you to do?

With UC, they take into account any income you receive within your assessment period. So if you claimed today and were paid from work tomorrow or on the 27th, UC would use these two incomes when calculating your payment, even though your first payment from them will be in over a month.

Would your GP be willing to sign a fit note for you ahead of your surgery?

SheffieldMan1976

Don't talk to the Job Centre, they know chuff all about even their own rules because the government keeps moving the damn goalposts.

lady77

They said to apply as it's going to take 3mths to sort out any way and my universal credit would have to stay open for 6mth of £0 payments any way. I'm going to ask my doctor tomorrow about a fit note

Emilee

I’d advise waiting until the day after your next pay date before submitting your claim, as this should help you receive your first payment sooner.

When you apply, make sure to report your fit note and include details of your medical conditions as well.

Good luck with both your surgery and recovery. Stay strong, it is a hard journey and accept any and all support offered. Don't be afraid to ask.